“Helen is far more perceptive and tactful than either of us,” Ellie agreed.

“Perhaps that is why we are so well matched.”

Ellie smiled. “We are, aren't we?”

Charles settled in beside her and draped his arm over her shoulders. “Do you realize that we can finally have a normal marriage now?”

“Having never been wed before, I was not aware that ours was an abnormal marriage.”

“Perhaps not precisely ‘abnormal,’ but I doubt that most newlyweds must contend with poisonings and gunshot wounds.”

“And do not forget carriage accidents and jam explosions,” Ellie said, actually laughing.

“Not to mention stitches in my arm, carcasses in the orangery, and fires in the kitchen.”

“Goodness, it has been an exciting month.”

“I don't know about you, but I could do with a bit less excitement myself.”

“Oh, I don't know. I don't mind a bit of excitement, although I'd rather it be of a different sort.”

He raised a brow. “What do you mean?”

“Merely that Judith might like another little Wycombe to boss around.”

Charles felt his heart drop to his toes, a remarkable feat considering he was horizontal. “Are you…?” he gasped, unable to get the full sentence out. “Are you…?

“Of course not,” she said, swatting him on the shoulder. “Well, actually I suppose I could be, but considering we only started…you know…so recently, I haven't even had the opportunity to know if I were or not, and—”

“Then what is your point?”

She smiled coyly. “Merely that there is no reason we cannot begin trying to make this particular dream a reality.”

“Helen will be back with the tea at any minute.”

“She'll knock.”

“But your arm…”

“I have every faith that you will be careful.”

A slow smile crept across Charles's face. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

Ellie nodded. “Have I told you?”

He nodded back at her. “Why don't we wiggle you out of that dressing gown and see about turning your dreams into reality?”

Epilogue

Nine months and one day later, Ellie was the happiest woman alive. Not that she hadn't thought herself the happiest woman alive the day before, and the day before that, but this day was special.

Ellie was finally certain that she and Charles were going to have a child.

Their marriage, which had begun almost as an accident, had grown into something truly magical. Her days were filled with laughter, her nights with passion, and her dreams with hope and wonder.

Not to mention her orangery, which was filled with oranges, thanks to her and Claire's diligent gardening.

Ellie looked down at her abdomen with a sense of amazement. How strange that a new life was growing there, that a person who could eventually walk and talk and have her own name and ideas was resting inside of her.

She smiled. She was already thinking of this new baby as a girl. She didn't know why, but she was certain it would be female. She wanted to name her Mary, after her mother. She didn't think Charles would mind.